Southern California -- this just in

Homicide Report: 14 killings last week in L.A. County; three in car-to-car shootings

August 27, 2010 | 8:15
am

Coroner's officials reported 14 killings between Aug. 15 and Aug. 22, bringing the year-to-date total to 420, according to data collected for The Times' Homicide Report database.

Countywide homicide rates still remain lower than in previous years: There were 501 killings during the same period last year, 574 the year before and 643 in 2007.

Authorities found at least three of the dead were shot while driving in cars, including Luis Delgado, 33, who was killed Aug. 15 in Van Nuys.

Delgado was driving his car in the area of Saticoy Street and Gaynor Avenue when he and a man in another car exchanged words, according to Los Angeles police. At that point, both men pulled out guns and began firing at each other, authorities said. Delgado was discovered fatally wounded on a sidewalk after someone called 911 to reported gunfire.

Police did not know if the other gunman, who witnesses said was driving a red, compact, four-door sedan, was injured. The man was last seen driving away from the scene, according to police.

Hermosillo, 27, was discovered with gunshot wounds in his parked car after authorities got a call reporting shots fired about 6:15 p.m. on Sunday. He was taken to County-USC Medical Center, where he died a short time later.

While Hermosillo was en route to the hospital, Covina police stopped a car off of Enid Avenue and Arrow Highway. Inside, they found Michael Velez, 30, also suffering from gunshot wounds, said sheriff's homicide Det. Ron Duval, who is handling the investigation.

Paramedics were called and Velez was pronounced dead at the scene.

Witnesses said two men were shooting at each other. Investigators believe Hermosillo shot Velez, but someone else shot Hermosillo. No arrests have been made in connection with the case, Duval said.

The Times' Homicide Report provides an interactive map and database of all homicides in Los Angeles County reported by the coroner since Jan. 1, 2007.